Tube light with improved LED array

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and system for producing light using LED lighting with output within a predetermined desired color temperature range for commercial lighting uses. A preferred embodiment includes a first and second group of LEDs arranged in an alternating matrix configuration, each group of LEDs configured to produce light in a predetermined color temperature range. In a preferred embodiment, an LED light system includes a tubular LED lamp having substantially the same size and dimensions as a traditional fluorescent lamp tube and a control box for controlling power input and power gain to the first, second, or both groups of LEDs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This utility application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/896,868, filed May 17, 2013, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/648,554, filed on May 17, 2012incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lighting system comprising a tubelight with an improved LED array capable of producing light within atleast two desired predetermined color temperature ranges.

Description of the Related Art

Fluorescent light bulbs or lamps have been used for a long time forvarious artificial lighting purposes, from residential to commerciallighting. Fluorescent lamps are gas-discharge lamps that use electricityto excite mercury vapor to produce short-wave ultraviolet light thatthen causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light. Manyfluorescent bulbs are made in tubular form which contains the mercuryvapor. As a result, larger fluorescent lamps require large elongatedtube lamps to produce the desired amount of light.

While larger fluorescent lamps have been used mostly in commercialbuildings or institutional buildings, they also have applications in thelighting industry such as TV, stage, auditorium, and/or film studio use,and/or other venues. However, fluorescent lamps must be used withcaution in the lighting industry as the color temperature of fluorescentlamps may create unwanted visual effects for the viewer. Colortemperature is a characteristic of visible light measured by thetemperature of an ideal black body radiator that radiates light ofcomparable hue to that of the light source. Color temperature isconventionally stated in the unit of absolute temperature, Kelvin (K).Color temperatures over 5,000 K are considered “cool” colors (blue-ishwhite), while lower color temperatures of 2,700 to 3,300 are considered“warm” colors (yellowish white through red).

The spectrum of light emitted from a fluorescent lamp is the combinationof light directly emitted by mercury vapor, and light emitted by thephosphorescent coating. The spectral lines from the mercury emission andthe phosphorescence effect give a combined distribution of light that isdifferent from those produced by incandescent sources. Colored objectsare perceived differently under light sources with differing spectraldistributions. For example, some people find the color renditionproduced by some fluorescent lamps to be harsh and displeasing,sometimes giving a greenish hue to skin tones giving people a sickly orunhealthy appearance. In addition, when used for lighting TV, studio, orfilm productions, the color temperature of the lighting often may needto be changed in order to match the scene or mood of the production. Forexample, recreating a scene taking place under sunlight with blue skiesmay require a color temperature of 9000 to 12000 Kelvin (K), while ascene taking place at sunrise or sunset may require a lighting colortemperature of 3200 K. The two most frequently used and desired colortemperature ranges in the lighting industry for stage and set lightinghave been found to be 3050 to 3300 K for tungsten (warm white), and 5400to 5600 K for daylight white. These ranges represent ideal colortemperature ranges for producing ideal lighting for TV, photography andfilm studio scenarios.

In such uses where accurate and suitable lighting color temperature isvital, lighting “gels” are often used in conjunction with fluorescentlamps to produce the desired color temperature. These lighting gelsoften consist of colored tube shaped sleeves made from asemi-transparent material to give the light the desired color effect.Although allowing for modification of the color temperature of light,techniques such as using color gels do not provide an easy method tochange the lighting and so cause significant delays in production. Forexample, if shooting a daytime scene, production workers would need tomanually remove and replace all of the colored gels on the fluorescentlamps being used, often a daunting task when faced with several banks oflamps, each bank consisting of numerous individual fluorescent lamps. Orwithout colored gels, a lighting crew must continually change thefluorescent lamps between daylight white (or day white) colored lampsand tungsten (or warm white) colored lamps, or if desired, other typesof white/light colored lamps.

Alternatively, LED (light emitting diode) lighting has been developedand has recently gained popularity. Since LEDs use very little energyand have a relatively long life, in recent years it has been popular toreplace existing fluorescent bulbs with LEDs. LEDs present manyadvantages over incandescent or fluorescent light sources includinglower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved physical robustness,smaller size, and faster switching. There are two primary types of LEDlighting used to create white light. One is to use individual LEDs thatemit three primary colors (red, green, and blue) and mix the colors toform white light. The other is to use a phosphor material to convertmonochromatic light from a blue or ultraviolet LED to broad-spectrumwhite light, also referred to as phosphor based LEDs.

In order to match the tubular form of a fluorescent bulb, arrays of LEDsmay be placed within a tube having the same form factor as a fluorescentlamp, such as a T8 or T12 size fluorescent bulb. One such bulb is madeby Dialight and is called DuroSite™. For example, in size T8, the bulbin one form uses SMD LEDs in a four foot long tube and provides 1500Lumens of Natural White light, using 17 Watts, 300 LEDs, with 90V-277V,and is ETL/UL Approved. However, such existing products cannot provide alighting solution to create two different predetermined colortemperature light outputs suitable for use in the stage lightingindustry, for uses such as TV, stage, photography and studio lighting.Sufficient intensity of the light is preferably at least 1000 lux forsuch an application.

In U.S. Pat. No. 8,203,260 to Li et al discloses an LED light made in aform factor of a fluorescent light and having color temperature which istunable by blending adjacent pairs of LEDs by dimming one or both LEDs acustomized amount to achieve the desired color. The control is complexand the temperature of the cold light is relatively high. The lightingis intended for street lights, vehicle headlights, and/or for otherlights subject to moisture, fog, dust or smoke situations. Therefore, afog or moisture sensor or other sensor is preferably used with thedevice. Since the drive current to each of the different color LEDs mustbe reduced to achieve the desired blend of light, the intensity is notonly reduced but is expected to vary quite a bit from color to color.There is no single source mode, and the light output is not suitable forstudio use.

What is desired is a lighting solution suitable for the lightingindustry implementing the advantages of LED lights which allows forevenly dispersed light controllable within specific color temperatureparameters without the need to physically switch out colored gels orlamp modules to achieve the desired color temperature light. It is alsodesirable to maintain the shape and interface of a traditionalfluorescent lamp so as to allow maximum usability in the lightingindustry without requiring expensive and time consuming equipmentoverhaul and upgrades.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention include apparatus and system forproducing light using LED lighting with outputs of two predetermineddesired color temperatures. In a preferred embodiment, an LED lightsystem includes a tubular LED lamp having substantially the samephysical form as a traditional fluorescent lamp tube. The term “LEDlamp” or “bulb” as used herein refers to a unitary light moduleconstruction utilizing LEDs with a physical shape and form the same asor substantially similar to a traditional fluorescent lamp tube.

A preferred embodiment further includes a plurality of LEDs arranged ina matrix formation on a surface provided within the LED lamp. The term“LEDs”, as used herein refers to a single light source utilizing LEDlighting technology, including a single LED unit, as well as a singlegrouping consisting of trichromatic LED units configured and arranged towork together to produce a single color (for example, a grouping of red,green, and blue LED bulbs configured to create white light.)

In the preferred embodiment, the LEDs may be arranged in arrays of fourbulbs or lamps preferably in a tube in one direction perpendicular to amain axis of the tube and facing in one direction, by many rows of suchLEDs, e.g., at least four rows (for a total of sixteen LEDs). Apreferred embodiment may include at least ten or twenty rows of LEDarrays, or even twenty-five or more rows (equaling 100 or more LEDs).The number of rows may vary depending on the size of the LED lamp usedfor the lighting fixture. For example, in a three foot long tube therewill be fewer LEDs than a four foot long tube light device, in a linearvariance given the same diameter and number of LEDs in each LED array.

A preferred embodiment has a mixture of at least two types of LEDsinterspersed in one matrix arrangement. A first type of LED may beconfigured to produce light in a first predetermined color temperaturerange, and a second type of LED may be configured to produce light in asecond predetermined color temperature range. In the preferredembodiment, the first predetermined color temperature range extendsbetween 5400 and 5600 K for rendering daylight color temperature, andthe second predetermined color temperature range extends between 3050and 3300 K for rendering tungsten color temperature light. The colorranges may be predetermined based on the desirable appearance of aperson's skin during commercial video or image recording.

The first and second types of LEDs are preferably arranged within thematrix in a checkerboard pattern, a row of LEDs alternating between thefirst type and the second type of LEDs. Another preferred embodiment mayinclude various other uniform arrangements having dispersed and/orarrayed patterns of the two types of LEDs within the matrix. In allembodiments, the arrangements of the two types of LEDs are predeterminedsuch that the grouping of the first type of LEDs and the grouping of thesecond type of LEDs each provide an evenly dispersed light. Maximumdriving current to each of the first type of LED, when the LED bulb ison (all first type of LEDs are lit), is preferably the same orsubstantially the same as driving current to each second type of LEDwhen the second type of bulb is on (all second type of LEDs are lit).

Preferably the intensity output is at least about 1000 lumens. Apreferred embodiment may also include a first driver and a second driverfor providing driving currents to trigger the first and second types ofLED bulbs respectively. The system may also include a controllerconnected to the at least two drivers for generating a plurality ofoutput signals and outputting the output signals to the drivers inresponse to a predetermined setting by the user. In another embodiment,there are multiple lamps for stage or set lighting. In a furtherembodiment, there is a control unit for selectively turning on and offthe lamps and, preferably, for selectively dimming and for selectingbetween the first and second type of LEDs, e.g., daylight white lightand tungsten (warm white light).

Because the lamps are LEDs, no ballast is needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a bulb in accordance with one embodiment,showing a matrix arrangement of daylight and tungsten LEDs.

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a bulb in accordance with anotherembodiment, showing a diagonally alternating arrangement of daylight andtungsten LEDs.

FIG. 1C is a schematic view of a bulb in accordance with an additionalembodiment, showing an alternating arrangement of columns of daylightand tungsten LEDs.

FIG. 1D is a schematic view of a bulb in accordance with a furtherembodiment, showing an alternating arrangement of groups of daylight andtungsten LEDs.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a bulb of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A is a schematic view of various alternative switching mechanismsin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a bulb of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4A is a view of a fluorescent bulb receptacle which may be usedwith a bulb of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an LED lamp system in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a control box of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a stage and various LED lamps used forlighting a set in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an LED lamp with a reflector and a lightdiffuser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In general, various embodiments of the invention relate to LED lightingsystems configured to produce at least two different ranges of colortemperature light, utilizing a first type of LED bulbs configured toprovide a first color temperature range light and a second type of LEDbulbs configured to provide a second color temperature range light. Theinvention is contemplated to be used in conjunction with lightingfixtures and infrastructure traditionally used in conjunction withfluorescent light tube lamps. Additionally, exemplary embodiments of theinvention include a controller and a control interface box through whichan operator is able to control the output signal output to the driversof the LEDs. Alternatively, the LED lamp may include a switchdetermining the grouping of LEDs powered by the voltage, controllable bythe user via the control interface box. In yet another embodiment, theuser may be able to dim the output signal to the first type of LEDs andsecond type of LEDs. Preferably, the first type of LEDs are daylightwhite and the second type of LEDs are tungsten or warm white light.

Turning now to FIG. 1A, a schematic diagram of LEDs are shown positionedin a matrix arrangement on a circuit board for use in a LED lamp or bulbin an embodiment of the present invention. There is a support structure10 configured to receive and retain a plurality of LEDs 12 in a uniformand consistent position. The support structure 10 is preferably anelongated and narrow surface shaped to insert into a tubular transparentor diffusor shade such that the lamp construction is compatible withexisting fixtures for traditional fluorescent lamp tubes. The LEDs 12are positioned in a uniform and consistent directional position, andpositioned in a matrix arrangement such that each LED is locatedequidistantly apart from surrounding LEDs 12. The support structure maybe or may include a printed circuit board configured to connect a powersource to the LEDs. The support structure 10 may be an aluminum housingwith an elongate dome cover as the diffusor shade.

The preferred embodiment includes a first group of LEDs 12 a (markedwith D, for daylight white), and a second group of LEDs 12 b (markedwith T, for tungsten light), located on a surface of support structure10. The D LEDs are configured to produce a light with color temperaturein the range of 5400 to 5600 K (or about 5400 to 5600 K) for daylightwhite light. The T LEDs are configured to produce a light with colortemperature in the range of 3050 to 3300 K (or about this range) andmost preferably 3200 K or about 3200 K for warm white light. Additionalranges that may be acceptable are 2800 K to 3300 K and 5000 K to 5600 K,but the above are more preferred About means within 3 percent.

These ranges have been tested and used in numerous productions, and havebeen determined to be the preferred desired color temperature ranges forshooting television and film productions utilizing daylight and tungstenlighting to recreate day time and dusk/night time scenes.

In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1A, the D and T LEDs may be arrangedin an alternating checkerboard pattern to provide an even distributionof light on the subject. This arrangement is preferred to create an evenlighting cast even when only one grouping of LEDs s being used at anygiven time. In the preferred embodiment, the circuit board of the LEDlamp 8 (FIG. 2) is configured such that only one group of LEDs 12 can beturned on at a time. The D LEDs 12 a and the T LEDs 12 b are exclusivelyoperated to produce either the daylight white lighting with the D bulbs,or the warm white lighting with the T bulbs. Since only one group ofbulbs can be on at a single time, the arrangement of the two groups ofLEDs may have a direct impact on the quality of the light produced bythe LED lamp. Therefore, it may be advantageous to arrange the D and Tbulbs in a consistently inter-dispersed matrix configuration as shown inFIG. 1A to produce the highest quality, evenly cast lighting.

In another embodiment, it may be desirable to create lighting effectswith more directional light or harsher light wherein the LEDs of the Dor T groups are not inter-dispersed, but positioned closer togetherwithin a single group. FIG. 1B shows an embodiment depicting LEDs 22 onsupport 20. D LEDs 22 a and T LEDs 22 b are in an alternate diagonallyalternating arrangement of D and T LEDs, and FIG. 1C shows yet anotherembodiment depicting LEDs 32 on a support 30 having grouped alternatingarrangement of columns of D and T LEDs 32 a, 32 b, respectively.

FIG. 1D shows a support 40 having LEDs 42 in alternating groups ofcolumns of D LEDs 42 a and T LEDs 42 b. The LED arrangements are notlimited to these embodiments and can vary based on the desired lightingeffect for the particular use or scene being lit, but most preferablyare individually alternating.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of LED lamp 8, which issimilar to a traditional fluorescent lamp tube. Each end of the LED lamp8 includes a base 14 which includes electrical connectors 16. Thisembodiment is configured with dimensions equivalent to a “T8” sizetraditional fluorescent tube, which is one inch in diameter, or a T12size (one and a half inch diameter). The base 14 and connectors 16 areconfigured to be compatible with traditional fluorescent lightingfixtures and mounts such that the LED lamp 8 may be installed intoexisting lighting fixtures (such as shown in FIG. 4A).

A clear or semi-translucent or translucent diffusor shade tube 24 isalso visible which acts to diffuse the light produced by the LEDs of theLED lamp. In the preferred embodiment, tube 24 is configured and sizedwith the same diameter as a traditional fluorescent tube lamp, such as asize T8 or T12. There may be various embodiments with varying tubediameters configured with the same diameter and dimensions of variousother traditional fluorescent lamp sizes.

FIG. 2A is a schematic view of various alternative switching mechanismsin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Switchingmechanism 134 shows various options for switch 34. It may be a manualswitch such as manual switch 34 a (see FIG. 4) or it may be a remotecontrolled switch having an RFID (radio frequency identificationdetector) 135 or infrared (IR) to receive remote controls to causeactual switch connector 134 a to toggle between allowing current todrive the T LEDs or the D LEDs on circuit board 52 (PCB). Signals couldalso travel along the electrical connectors 16 by means of modulating aninitial portion of the electrical power carried to connectors 16 (from,e.g., a control unit as in FIGS. 5 and 6). The modulated signal could bea certain pulsing of power on and power off in an initial period ofturning on the switch to send power to the lamp, e.g., two pulses, forswitching to the T LEDs and e.g., four pulses, for switching to the DLEDs. The switches on the control unit could be three way switches,enabling selection between D LEDs on, T bulbs on, and no light, or twoway switches enabling selection between D LEDs on and T LEDs on, andusing a master power switch to switch off the lamp. The control unit inthis case would include circuitry to provide the modulated power onsignal. When a counter/relay/timer circuit receives the pulses, itsignals the switch connector 134 a to move to the appropriate positionto power the T LEDs or D LEDs. Alternatively, the control unit may sendseparate control signals along a multipin connector, and the LED lampswitching circuit may be a microprocessor or the like for receiving thesignals and performing the switching function. In such a case, astandard fluorescent receiver and the leads into the bulb may bemodified to send and receive appropriate control signals in addition tocurrent.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an LED lamp of FIG. 2 in more detail.Representations of the LED lamp 8, base 20, connectors 16, and connectorwires 30 are shown. An AC (or DC) power source 33 such as an electricalgrid, battery, or generator may be connected to the connector wires toprovide power to the LED lamp 8. This embodiment may also include atleast one LED driver 36 configured to provide appropriate power input tothe various LEDs of the first and second types, respectively, dependingon and in response to a switch 34. LED lamp 8 may include two LEDdrivers 36, a first driver to provide appropriate power input to the DLEDs, and a second driver to provide appropriate power input to the TLEDs.

In another preferred embodiment, the driver or drivers 36 are configuredto provide dimmable control over the LEDs of the LED lamp. The LED lamp8 may include the power input switch 34 configured to selectivelyprovide power to either the grouping of D LEDs or the grouping of TLEDs. Preferably, the grouping of LEDs to be powered at a given time bythe power source may be selected by the user. Also preferably, each lampor bulb 8 may have arrayed LEDs on each side of support 10 (or 20, 30 or40).

In an alternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the LED lamp may includetwo sets of connectors 16, one set on each end of the LED lamp. One setof connectors may be electrically connected to provide power to onegrouping of LED bulbs, and another to provide power to the othergrouping. Each connector may be powered by distinct power sources. Inanother configuration, a power input switch 44 external to the LED lampmay be controllable by the user to selectively provide power to thedesired grouping of LEDs. In an embodiment, the LED lighting system mayinclude a wiring connector having at least sixteen pins, two of the pinsbeing connected to the support structure to supply power to the firstgrouping of LEDs and the second grouping of LEDs. In the preferredembodiment, the LEDs are electrically connected to a power source by aprinted circuit board (Pcb) 52.

As shown in FIG. 4A, there is a fluorescent bulb receptacle 55 in whichbulb 8 may be placed to connect to a power source in the same manner asa fluorescent bulb would be placed therein.

In FIG. 4, there is an LED lamp 50 in an embodiment of the presentinvention. The lamp has multiple, e.g., four, LED lamps 57, 59, 61 and63, each having LEDs in a matrix arrangement. LEDs 52 are positioned ona printed circuit board 54 (PCB) in a matrix arrangement. Two types ofLEDs are utilized: there is a first group of LEDs configured to providelight with a color temperature between a predetermined range of 3050 and3300 K, and a second group of LEDs configured to provide light between apredetermined range of 5400 to 5600 K. The two groups of LEDs arepreferably arranged in an alternating matrix arrangement across the PCBas in FIG. 1A or may also be as in FIG. 1B, 1C or 1D. In an embodiment,the PCB is connected to sets of connectors on both ends of the PCB. Inanother embodiment, only one set of connectors is provided on one end ofthe PCB.

Each LED lamp 50 includes a clear, translucent or semi-translucentdiffusor shade tube 24 configured to sleeve over the PCB and the LEDs.Preferably, the diffusor shade tube 24 is configured with the same sizeand dimensions as traditional fluorescent tube lamps, such as the T8size (one inch diameter or if T12 then one and half inch diameter,etc.). The diffusor shade tube 24 may be constructed from glass ordurable plastic with a white or neutral gray coloring so as to notaffect the predetermined color temperature of the LED bulbs.

In FIG. 5, there is an LED lamp system 50 of the present invention.There is a power source 51 such as 110V AC current at 50 or 60 Hz. Thepower source is connected to control unit 53. From control unit 53, oneor multiple cords or connectors 53A, 53B such as 16 pin connectorselectrically connect the power source with the LED lamps 57, 59, 61, 63,such as if FIG. 3 or 4 with LED patterns such as in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B,1C or 1D. Specifically, the electrical wires in the connectors connectto leads 57 a, 59 a, 61 a and 63 a, respectively. Additional lamps maybe connected as well, e.g. four per sixteen pin connector.

The drivers for each bulb could be connected to separate leads for eachtype of LED (D or T). More preferably, so that a fluorescent bulbreceiver (e.g. receiver 55 of FIG. 4A) need not to be modified, thedriver may include circuitry (e.g. a relay or series of relays or acounter or other controller) to toggle between the D LEDs and the T LEDswhen the power is on. A simpler way is to have a switch, manual orremote control such as switch 34 or 34 a of FIG. 3 that toggles betweenpowering the D bulbs and the T bulbs. Lamp system 50 may be configuredto be compatible or similar to traditional fluorescent tube lampfixtures. Control unit 53 is controllable by the user to selectivelyprovide power from power source 51 to a desired grouping of LED lamps orbulbs (57, 59 or 61, 63). In these embodiments, a manual switch (such as34 or 34 or remote control or driver control) may be mounted on thesupport structure configured to enable selective operation of either thefirst type LEDs (D) or the second type LEDs (T).

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of control unit 53 of the present invention.The control unit may include toggle switches S1 to S8 for controllingpower input to the LED lamps 57, 59, 61, 63 and any additional bulbs(e.g., two more per each cable 53A, 53B) connected to the control unit.The control unit may be configured and connected such that each switchmay control one or a predetermined grouping of LEDs for one specific LEDlamp of the present invention, toggling between an “On” and “Off”position for that particular grouping of LED bulbs. Alternatively, eachswitch may control a plurality of the same LEDs grouping across aplurality of LED lamps in a bank of lights. For example, switch S1 maycontrol the On/Off toggle of D color temperature LEDs for a bank oflights comprising two, four or more LED lamps, and switch S2 may controlthe On/Off toggle of T color temperature LEDs for the same two, or fouror more LED lamps.

In another preferred embodiment, each switch (e.g. S1) may be configuredto simply control the power switch of the LED lamp to selectivelyprovide power to the D or T grouping of LEDs of the LED lamps. In thisconfiguration, the user is unable to toggle between an On/Off powerconfiguration to a particular LED lamp, but instead is able to simplycontrol the specific grouping of LEDs being powered at any particularpoint in time. Additionally, control box 60 may include dimming switches53C, 53D or knobs to control the power gain levels to the LED lamps tovary the brightness or LEDs and control lumens from the LED lamp. Apower-on LED indicator 53E and 53F may be included for each bank ofswitches 65, 67, respectively. There may also be a master power switchS10 and another master power switch S9 for each switch bank 65, 67,respectively.

The control unit may be connected to the LED lamps via a standard quickconnect interface. The quick connect interface may be connected to theLED lamps via industrial cables widely used in the lighting andcommercial production industry.

Spectrophotocolorimeter testing for an LED lamp of the presentinvention, maps color perception in terms of two parameters, x and y.The chromaticity coordinates map the color with respect to hue andsaturation on the two-dimensional Commission Internationale del'Eclairage (CIE) diagram. The testing of Daylight indicates that alight color temperature of 5000 K. The color rendering index (CRI) isindicated as Ra which has been found to be at least about 92 to 93percent.

A CIE test of tungsten had a light color temperature of about 2800 K toabout 3000 K. The color rendering index is indicated as Ra being atleast about 93 percent. Flux has been found to be about or over 1000lumens.

Light systems of the present invention are suitable for TV or studioproduction.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the system of the present invention being usedfor a commercial production. The diagram depicts a scene being shot forcommercial uses inside of a large studio or production warehouse. Thereis a set or stage 100, subjects 1 and 2 on stage (people), and abackdrop are 102. A plurality of LED fixtures 103, 104, 106 and 108 areprovided and mounted to direct desired lighting on the stage or set ofthe production. Each LED fixture 90 may include a plurality of LEDlamps, as in prior embodiments, e.g., a bank of four T8 or T12 sizebulbs or other desirable size. Each group is configured to providelighting within a predetermined color temperature range. In the diagram,the lighting provided by the LED lamps are selectively daylight white,with a color temperature between the range of 5400 to 5600 K, andtungsten or warm white with a color temperature range of 3000 to 3300 K,using control unit (or units) 110, which may be the same as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6. Other temperature ranges as disclosed herein may be used.

Each of the LED lamps are connected to control unit 110 via cables. Thecables may be standard cables and wiring widely used in the lighting andcommercial production industry. The cables may range from 50 to 100 feetin length, and may be extended to lengths of up to 200 feet, dependingon production requirements. In many cases, the standard cables andwiring may be preexisting cables previously used with traditionalfluorescent or halogen studio lighting. The compatibility of the LEDlamps and fixtures of the present invention allow for use withtraditional infrastructure and cables already in place. The cables maybe connected to the control unit via a quick connect interface, whichmay include a secure screw-in connection. The quick connect interfacemay also be a standard connection interface widely used in the industrywith traditional lighting equipment, which may be reused with thecurrent invention. The control unit is connected via a quick connectinterface to a power source, such as a power grid, generator, or largecapacity battery, as in prior embodiments.

In the diagram, subjects S1 and S2 are being filmed on a film camera 112during a scene. To recreate daylight lighting, control unit 110 is usedto turn on power to only the daylight white LED bulbs of the LED lamps,which produces daylight white light with color temperature in thepredetermined range of 5400 to 5600 K. The light is directed to hit thesubject(s) and bounce off to give a predetermined color temperaturebased on the subjects' skin tone, which is then captured by the camera112, giving the desired appearance and effect on film.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A four foot long T12 (1.5″ diameter) LED lamp was constructed with fourrows of alternating LEDs of a daylight type and tungsten (warm light)type, using the pattern of FIG. 1A. The power consumption is quite lowfor the light output.

Color Temperature (Daylight Mode) 5500K ± 100° K Color Temperature(Tungsten Mode) 3200K ± 150° K CRI (color rendering index) 90%+ PhotoColor Correction (CC) Green <5 G Photo Color Correction (CC) Magenta <5M Luminosity Daylight avg Lux/FC  3 ft: 549/51  5 ft: 289/27 10 ft:80/7.4 15 ft: 40/3.7 Luminosity Tungsten avg Lux/FC  3 ft: 530/49  5 ft:230/21 10 ft: 66/6 15 ft: 30/2.8 Power Consumption (@120 V/60 Hz) 0.35amp 42 wattsFluorescent lights range from a CRI (color rendering index) of about 50%for the basic types, up to about 90% for the best tri-phosphor type. Thepresent invention can achieve a CRI as high or higher than expensivefluorescent lights.

Spacing of the LEDs may, e.g., be one quarter inch apart or about onequarter inch apart from the middle of one LED to the middle of the nextone. It can be less and can be more as desired. For example, in a T12bulb that is four feet long (1198 mm without the leads and 1213 mm withleads; by diameter of 41 mm), there would be four LEDs over the widthand 144 LEDs long, for a total of 576 LEDs. Some of the four foot lengthof the bulb is taken up by the leads and end caps, driver and switch.The LEDs are preferably SMD 3528 (and/or SMD 2835 may be used or othersuitable size) single color LEDs. Such LEDs may be about 3.5 mm by 2.8mm, or very roughly about a ⅛ inch square.

Example 2

A four foot long T12 (1.5″ diameter) LED lamp was constructed with fourrows of alternating LEDs of a daylight type and tungsten (warm light)type, using the pattern of FIG. 1A. The power consumption is quite lowfor the light output. Other parameters are the same or substantially thesame as in Example 1.

Color Temperature (Day white Mode) 5000 to 5500K Color Temperature (Warmwhite Mode) 2700-3200K CRI (color rendering index) >91 Photo ColorCorrection (CC) Green <5 G Photo Color Correction (CC) Magenta <5 MLuminosity Daylight (day white) avg 1170 ± 10% Luminosity Tungsten (warmwhite) avg 1010 ± 10% Power Consumption (@110 V) 20 watts each colorType Dimmable Control Selectable between warm white and day white

At one foot the output can be over 1000 lumens, and therefore the lightis suitable for stage uses. Therefore, with the same number of lightbulbs as high quality fluorescent light to light a stage or set, whichbulbs must be changed out for different scenes when different colors arerequired, use of the bulbs in accordance with the present inventionachieves suitable light for the stage or set without having to changeany bulbs, whether a scene is to be shot at warm white light or atdaylight white.

Therefore, a method of a preferred embodiment of the invention, would beto light a stage or set to be filmed or photographed with a set of bulbsin accordance with the invention, and continue to light the stage or setwith the same set of bulbs, selectively switching the bulbs between warmwhite light and daylight white for different scenes and/or differentparts of scenes.

Example 3

A four foot long T12 (1.5″ diameter) LED lamp was constructed with fourrows of alternating LEDs of a daylight type and tungsten (warm light)type, using the pattern of FIG. 1A. The power consumption is quite lowfor the light output. Other parameters are the same or substantially thesame as in Example 1.

Color Temperature (Day white Mode) 5000 to 5500K Color Temperature (Warmwhite Mode) 2800 to 3200K CRI (color rendering index) >92 Photo ColorCorrection (CC) Green <5 G Photo Color Correction (CC) Magenta <5 MLuminosity Daylight (day white) avg 1200 lumens ± 10% LuminosityTungsten (warm white) avg 1050 lumens ± 10% Power Consumption (@110 V)20 watts each color Type Dimmable Control Selectable between warm whiteand day white

Again, luminosity is at least 1000 lumens. Lifespan in Examples 1, 2 and3 is estimated at 40,000 hours.

To create the LED lamps, in each of the above examples, LEDs in thedesired color ranges are selected which provide at least about 1000lumens. The LEDs are tested to provide the desired light, e.g., with CRIof at least about 90 percent or more, flux of at least about 1000 lumensor more, and purity of color. Preferably, purity of light includes nomore than about three percent green, no more than about three percentyellow and no more than about three percent magenta tones. In addition,the LEDs for the T (warm white light) type are selected in the ranges of2800 to 3300 K or about 2800 to 3300 K, and more preferably 3050 to 3300K or about 3050 to 3300 K, and the D (daylight white light) type areselected to be 5000 to 5800 K or about 5000 to 5800 K, and morepreferably 5000 to 5500 K or about 5000 to 5500 K and most preferably5200 to 5400 K or about 5200 to 5400 K. Alternatively, they may beselected in other ranges disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an LED lamp 89 which may be used in theembodiment of FIG. 7. The lamp has a reflector 93 and a light diffuser91 or gel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described using specific terms, devices,and/or methods, such description is for illustrative purposes of thepreferred embodiment(s) only. Changes may be made to the preferredembodiment(s) by those of ordinary skill in the art without departingfrom the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in thefollowing claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects ofthe preferred embodiment(s) generally may be interchanged in whole or inpart.

What is claimed is:
 1. An LED light system configured for providingbroad-spectrum white light suitable for a commercial image recording ina form factor of a fluorescent tube, the LED light system comprising: ahousing having ends and including a support structure in a form of anelongated and narrow surface and having a top side and a bottom side; aplurality of first LEDs mounted on the top side of the support structureand configured to emit broad-spectrum white light in a firstpredetermined Kelvin temperature range of cool white light; a pluralityof second LEDs mounted on the top side of the support structure andconfigured to emit broad-spectrum white light in a second predeterminedKelvin temperature range of warm white light; circuitry mounted to thesupport structure including an LED driver circuit configured forselectively electronically switching between driving (i) the first LEDsto provide light while the second LEDs are off and (ii) the second LEDsto provide light while the first LEDs are off, wherein the first andsecond temperature ranges are nonoverlapping, and including a printedcircuit board mounted to the support structure for carrying electricalpower from a connection to the LED driver circuit and then to the firstand second LEDs; an elongate cover extending substantially a length ofthe support structure and covering the top side of the support structurefor diffusing light emitted by the first and second LEDs; and whereinthe housing and cover together have a linear form factor of afluorescent tube light having a diameter of no greater than about one toone and a half inches, wherein the LED light system is configured forreceiving input power to be provided to the LED light system toselectively light the first and second LEDs, and wherein the first andsecond LEDs are disposed in rows and distributed along the length of thetop side of the support structure such that the first LEDs and thesecond LEDs, whichever are on, emit a substantially even light along thelength of the top side of the support structure, wherein the light isdiffused by the cover and is suitable for the commercial image recordingboth when the emitted light from the LED light system is in the firsttemperature range of cool white light and when the emitted light fromthe LED light system is in the second temperature range of warm whitelight.
 2. The LED light system of claim 1, wherein the first LEDs areconfigured to emit light with a color temperature between 5000 K and5800 K, the second LEDs are configured to emit light between 2800 K and3300 K.
 3. The LED light system of claim 1, wherein the first LEDs andthe second LEDs are distributed in a checkerboard pattern on the supportstructure, the first LEDs and the second LEDs alternating at regularintervals along a first axis and along a second axis, the first axis andthe second axis being perpendicular.
 4. The LED light system of claim 1,wherein the housing comprises an aluminum housing.
 5. The LED lightsystem of claim 1, wherein the color rendering index of each of thefirst LEDs and each of the second LEDs is greater than
 90. 6. The LEDlight system of claim 1, further comprising: a manual knob forselectively controlling the LED driver circuit.
 7. The LED light systemof claim 1, further comprising: a. a control box electrically coupled tothe support structure, the control box including: i. a first switchconfigured to turn the first LEDs and an additional plurality of firstLEDs on and off; ii. a first dimming control configured to control powergain of the first LEDs and the additional first LEDs; iii. a secondswitch configured to turn the second LEDs and an additional plurality ofsecond LEDs on and off; and iv. a second dimming control configured tocontrol power gain of the second LEDs and the additional second LEDs. 8.An LED light system configured for providing broad-spectrum white lightsuitable for a commercial image recording, in a form factor of afluorescent tube, the LED light system comprising: b. a housing havingends and including a support structure in a form of an elongated andnarrow surface and having a top side and a bottom side; c. a pluralityof first LEDs mounted on the top side of the support structure andconfigured to emit broad-spectrum white light in a first predeterminedKelvin temperature range of cool white light; d. a plurality of secondLEDs mounted on the top side of the support structure and configured toemit broad-spectrum white light in a second predetermined Kelvintemperature range of warm white light; e. circuitry mounted to thesupport structure including an LED driver circuit configured forselectively electronically switching between driving either (i) thefirst LEDs to provide light while the second LEDs are off and (ii) thesecond LEDs to provide light while the first LEDs are off, wherein thefirst and second temperature ranges are nonoverlapping, and including aprinted circuit board mounted to the support structure for carryingelectrical power from a connection to the LED driver circuit and then tothe first and second LEDs; f. an elongate cover extending substantiallya length of the support structure and covering the top side of thesupport structure for diffusing light emitted by the first and secondLEDs; and g. wherein the housing and cover together have a linear formfactor of a fluorescent tube light having no greater than a length offour feet and a diameter of no greater than about one to one and a halfinches, wherein the LED light system is configured for receiving inputpower to be provided to the LED light system to selectively light thefirst and second LEDs, and wherein the first and second LEDs aredisposed in a plurality of rows and are equally distributed along thelength of the top side of the support structure, whichever are on,evenly emit light along the length of the top side of the supportstructure, wherein the light is diffused by the cover and is suitablefor the commercial image recording both when the emitted light from theLED light system is in the first temperature range of cool white lightand when the emitted light from the LED light system is in the secondtemperature range of warm white light, wherein the light emitted fromthe first LEDs and the light emitted from the second LEDs are eachbroad-spectrum white light containing a color deviation of no more thanfive points of green, and wherein the color rendering index of each ofthe first LEDs and each of the second LEDs is greater than
 90. 9. TheLED light system of claim 8, wherein the LED light system is providedwithout a gel or filter.
 10. The LED light system of claim 8, the firstLEDs each being configured to emit light with a color temperaturebetween 5000 K and 5800 K, and the second LEDs each being configured toemit light between 2800 K and 3300 K.
 11. The LED light system of claim8, wherein the light emitted from the LED light system is at least 1000lux or at least 1000 lumens.
 12. The LED light system of claim 1,wherein the light emitted from the LED light system is at least 1000 luxor at least 1000 lumens.
 13. The LED light system of claim 1, whereinthere is a controller in the support structure connected to the LEDdriver circuit for generating a plurality of output signals andoutputting the output signals to the LED driver circuit in response to apredetermined setting.
 14. The LED light system of claim 8, whereinthere is a controller in the support structure connected to the LEDdriver circuit for generating a plurality of output signals andoutputting the output signals to the LED driver circuit in response to apredetermined setting, and there is a step of controlling the LED drivercircuit using the predetermined setting.
 15. An LED light systemconfigured for providing broad-spectrum white light suitable for acommercial image recording in a form factor of a fluorescent tube, theLED light system comprising: a. a support structure in a form of anelongated and narrow surface and having a base cap at each end and a topside and a bottom side; b. a plurality of first LEDs mounted on the topside of the support structure and configured to provide broad-spectrumwhite light within a first predetermined Kelvin temperature range; c. aplurality of second LEDs mounted on the top side of the supportstructure and configured to provide broad-spectrum white light within asecond predetermined Kelvin temperature range; d. circuitry mounted inthe support structure including an LED driver circuit and is configuredfor selectively electronically switching between driving the first LEDsto provide light within the first predetermined temperature range andthe second LEDs to provide light within the second predeterminedtemperature range, wherein the first and second temperature ranges arenonoverlapping, and including a printed circuit board mounted to thesupport structure for carrying electrical power from a connection at thebase cap to the LED driver circuit and then to the first and secondLEDs; e. an elongate cover extending substantially a length of thesupport structure for diffusing light emitted by the first and secondLEDs; and f. wherein the support structure and cover together have aform factor of a fluorescent tube light having no greater than a sizeT12 having a length of four feet and a diameter of no greater than aboutone to one and a half inches, wherein the LED light system is configuredfor receiving input power to be provided to the LED light system toselectively light the first and second LEDs, and wherein the first andsecond LEDs are disposed on the support structure with the first andsecond LEDs equally distributed along the length of the top side of thesupport structure and the first and second LEDs are disposed in rowsalong the length of the top side of the support structure such that thefirst LEDs and the second LEDs evenly emit light which is diffused bythe cover and is suitable for the commercial image recording both whenthe emitted light from the LED light system is in the first temperaturerange and when the emitted light from the LED light system is in thesecond temperature range; g. wherein the first plurality of LEDscomprises cool white LEDs, and the second plurality of LEDs compriseswarm white LEDs; and h. wherein the light emitted from the first LEDsand the light emitted from the second LEDs are each white lightcontaining a color deviation of no more than five points of green. 16.An LED light system configured for providing broad-spectrum white lightsuitable for a commercial image recording in a form factor of afluorescent tube, the LED light system comprising: (a) a housingincluding a support structure in a form of an elongated and narrowsurface and having a top side and a bottom side; (b) a plurality offirst LEDs mounted on the top side of the support structure andconfigured to emit broad-spectrum white light within a firstpredetermined Kelvin temperature range of cool white light; (c) aplurality of second LEDs mounted on the top side of the supportstructure and configured to emit broad-spectrum white light within asecond predetermined Kelvin temperature range of warm white light; (d)circuitry mounted to the support structure including an LED drivercircuit and is configured for selectively electronically switchingbetween driving either (i) the first LEDs to provide light within thefirst predetermined temperature range while the second LEDs are off and(ii) the second LEDs to provide light within the second predeterminedtemperature range while the first LEDs are off, wherein the first andsecond temperature ranges are nonoverlapping, and including a printedcircuit board mounted to the support structure for carrying electricalpower to the LED driver circuit and then to the first and second LEDs;and (e) wherein the support structure fits within a form factor of afluorescent tube light having no greater than a size T12 having a lengthof four feet and a diameter of no greater than about one to one and ahalf inches, wherein the LED light system is configured for receivinginput power to be provided to the LED light system to selectively lightthe first and second LEDs, and wherein the first and second LEDs in aplurality of rows and are equally distributed along the length of thetop side of the support structure such that the first LEDs and thesecond LEDs, whichever are on, evenly emit light along the length of thetop side of the support structure, which light is broad-spectrum whitelight suitable for the commercial image recording both when the emittedlight from the LED light system is in the first temperature range ofcool white light and when the emitted light from the LED light system isin the second temperature range of warm white light.
 17. The LED lightsystem of claim 15, wherein the color rendering index of each of thefirst LEDs and each of the second LEDs is greater than
 90. 18. The LEDlight system of claim 15, wherein the light emitted from the first LEDsand the light emitted from the second LEDs are each white lightcontaining a color deviation of no more than five points of green. 19.The LED light system of claim 16, wherein the light emitted from thefirst LEDs and the light emitted from the second LEDs are each whitelight containing a color deviation of no more than five points of green.20. The LED light system of claim 1, wherein the first LEDs areconfigured to emit light with a color temperature of at least 5000 K andthe second LEDs are configured to emit light of no more than
 3300. 21.The LED light system of claim 1, wherein the LED driver is switchablebetween turning on the warm white LEDs when the cool white LEDs are offand turning on the cool white LEDs when the warm white LEDs are off. 22.The LED light system of claim 1, wherein the warm white light istungsten white, and the cool white light is daylight white.
 23. The LEDlight system of claim 1, wherein the linear form factor has a length ofno greater than about four feet.
 24. The LED light system of claim 1,wherein the linear form factor has a length of about four feet.
 25. TheLED light system of claim 1, wherein the light emitted from the firstLEDs and the light emitted from the second LEDs are each broad-spectrumwhite light containing a color deviation of no more than five points ofgreen, and wherein the color rendering index of each of the first LEDsand each of the second LEDs is greater than
 90. 26. The LED light systemof claim 1, wherein the light system has end caps at each end of thehousing, and there is a switch on one of the end caps for controllingthe LED driver to switch between the warm white LEDs and the cool whiteLEDs.
 27. The LED light system of claim 1, wherein the first LEDs eachbeing configured to emit light with a color temperature between 5000 Kand 5800 K.
 28. The LED light system of claim 1, wherein the second LEDseach being configured to emit light between 2800 K and 3300 K.
 29. TheLED light system of claim 27, wherein the second LEDs each beingconfigured to emit light between 2800 K and 3300 K.
 30. The LED lightsystem of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises an aluminum housing.31. The LED light system of claim 1, wherein the light system isconfigured to use twenty watts of power for selectively lighting thefirst set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs.
 32. The LED light systemof claim 31, wherein the housing comprises an aluminum housing.
 33. TheLED light system of claim 32, wherein the first LEDs each beingconfigured to emit light with a color temperature between 5000 K and5800 K.
 34. The LED light system of claim 33, wherein the second LEDseach being configured to emit light between 2800 K and 3300 K.
 35. TheLED light system of claim 34, wherein the linear form factor has alength of about four feet.
 36. The LED light system of claim 35, whereinthe LED driver is switchable between turning on the warm white LEDs whenthe cool white LEDs are off and turning on the cool white LEDs when thewarm white LEDs are off.
 37. The LED light system of claim 36, whereinthe light emitted from the first LEDs and the light emitted from thesecond LEDs are each broad-spectrum white light containing a colordeviation of no more than five points of green, and wherein the colorrendering index of each of the first LEDs and each of the second LEDs isgreater than
 90. 38. The LED light system of claim 37, wherein the lightsystem has end caps at each end of the housing, and there is a switch onone of the end caps for controlling the LED driver to switch between thewarm white LEDs and the cool white LEDs.
 39. The LED light system ofclaim 38, wherein the first LEDs each being configured to emit lightwith a color temperature between 5000 K and 5800 K.
 40. The LED lightsystem of claim 39, wherein the second LEDs each being configured toemit light between 2800 K and 3300 K.